By GENE POLICINSKI
First Amendment Center
Given that the First Amendment precludes the government from being an actual “watchdog on news media,” who else steps in to call the news media to account?

In today’s world, increasingly it is citizen — critics or organizations outside of mainstream journalism, empowered by the Web’s ability for two-way conversations and comments, and by independence from past restraints of expensive printing presses and broadcast machinery.

A prime parcel in the Roane County Industrial Park made the Select Tennessee program.

The 44-acre site was not only receiving the coveted certification but also given a “plus” designation.

“The state will personally premiere that site on the Select Tennessee website. Basically it puts our parcel out front of others because of certification. Major site selectors across the country and world will look at our site first,” said Darrell Williams, vice president of business development for The Roane Alliance.

One of the top basketball players in Roane County history will be staying close to home to begin his college career, as Harriman’s Xavier Howard signed scholarship papers Friday afternoon with Roane State Community College.

Precast concrete business C.R. Barger and Sons Inc. of Roane County recently entered a partnership with Stone Strong Systems.
A fifth-generation family operation, C.R. Barger and Sons Inc. has been in business since 1947 and is headquartered in Roane Regional Business and Technology Park in East Roane County.
“We’re ready to be partnering with Stone Strong and are thrilled to be able to diversify our product offering and provide our customers with an efficient retaining wall solution,” said Eric Barger, vice president of C.R. Barger and Sons Inc.

Enrichment Federal Credit Union recently raised $10,000 to be split between 12 area animal shelters in its service area.
During Enrichment’s fifth annual Dog Days of Summer Pet Supply Drive, monetary contributions and supplies such as dog and cat food, towels, blanket, pet beds and other pet-related items were donated.

Amber Wyrick is the new branch manager of Y-12 Federal Credit Union’s Roane County Branch at 1715 Roane State Hwy., Midtown.
Wyrick has worked at the Roane County Branch for more than 12 years.
She started as a teller and also held the positions of head teller and assistant branch manager before being promoted to branch manager.

“What I love about working at Y-12 Federal Credit Union is that no matter how much the credit union grows, we still have that small town feeling,” Wyrick said.